Contributions to Emily Willis’ GoFundMe campaign have surpassed $100,000, as her family had earlier detailed the planned use of these funds.
Emily Willis, previously an adult film actress, is now ‘permanently disabled’ after experiencing a cardiac arrest at a Californian rehabilitation center in February 2024.
Her real name being Litzy Lara Banuelos, Willis was in a ‘vegetative coma’ for a duration of two months.
Specialists have suggested she might be suffering from ‘locked-in syndrome,’ but an official diagnosis is still pending, as confirmed by her lawyer this week.
Willis’ family has initiated legal action against Summit Malibu — where she was treated for ‘ketamine addiction,’ — alleging ‘abuse of a dependent adult, professional negligence, negligence, and fraudulent business practices’ by the facility.
In March of last year, her brother, using the name Michael Willis, set up a GoFundMe page with an initial target of $60,000 to aid his sister’s recovery.
Nearly a year later, the campaign has raised $107,413, according to the latest update.
Michael previously outlined how the funds would be used, describing the contributions as ‘invaluable.’
“Medical Bills: Even with insurance, the gap in coverage leaves us facing significant out-of-pocket expenses for treatments and medications essential to Emily’s recovery,” he stated.
“Travel and Accommodation: To ensure Emily is never alone, we’re committed to being by her side, which means securing a temporary home far away from our personal home to be with her in the hospital.”
He further explained: “Supporting Emily during this difficult time means being away from work, adding to the financial pressures we face.
“Every donation, no matter its size, will go directly towards easing these burdens, allowing us to devote our energy and resources to Emily’s healing.”
In May, after surpassing the initial goal, Michael provided another update.
“My family wouldn’t have been able to provide the level of care needed without your donations,” he expressed. “All donations are and have been going directly towards Emily’s recovery.”
He extended heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support, noting: “From the bottom of our hearts we are extremely grateful to see the love from so many people who want to see Emily get better.
“Your donations give us the opportunity to make the best decisions for her care.”
Willis, who retired from the adult film industry in 2022 after four years, is currently being cared for by her mother at home but requires regular hospital visits.
Earlier this week, Willis’ lawyer, James A. Morris from Morris Law Firm, provided a significant update on her health, revealing that the 26-year-old can now ‘move her body somewhat’ and make ‘outward noises.’
Morris added: “Her physical condition is not good, her mental condition is unknown, but she’s still here. I think that in and of itself says something about her resilience and her desire to live.”
He concluded: “And with modern medicine and the advances that we have in science, we can all hope that Litzy gets back to the functioning level that makes her life worthwhile.”